President Biden, Israel’s latest illegal land-grab continues a systematic practice which has been going on for decades and which creates the seeds for groups like Hamas. It violates international law, the spirit, if not the letter, of UN Security Council Resolutions and various accords re: the Middle East & Palestine, and our U.S. stance on human rights. This latest land grab demands meaningful U.S. action, not just diplomatic blather. Israel is simply an opportunistic “friend?” As one commentator put it, the U.S. is Israel’s “sugar daddy.” It’s about time we cut off or at least substantially reduced our financial, military and diplomatic candy until Israel truly respects human rights and international law.

But elections are looming and donors are on the line, and besides Americans are focused on the all-important Final Four. Mr. President, you face a tough dilemma: stand up for basic human rights and cede votes to a wannabe dictator. Defend truly democratic principles abroad and risk losing democracy at home. What will convince Americans that our elections, Ukraine and Gaza are all part of the same patchwork fabric of democracy? I wish you the wisdom of Solomon, the eloquence of Kennedy and the courage of Lincoln.

Gregory Davis

Salem